What we learned vs. Chivas USA

Our ‘Caps had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Chivas USA Sunday at BC Place. After going down by two goals in the first half, the boys battled back and scored the tying goal in injury time.

So what did we learn?

Highlights: Whitecaps FC 2 - 2 Chivas USA

Playing to our potential

This was the second match in a row that we have given up a goal in the third minute. This is a trend that has to stop now.

Each match is already going to be a grind with the Western Conference playoff race so tight. It makes life even more difficult when you have to chase the game right from the start by conceding so early.

With three important road games upcoming, we have to be more concentrated and look to post a couple clean sheets. To do that, the boys need to make a conscious effort to keep things tight at the back and get our marking right in the box.

We showed great character to come back from two goals down, but we were at fault for being in that position in the first place. To be fair, we have been undone a little as of late by a possible save of the year against LA Galaxy and a possible goal of the week against Chivas USA.

We can’t change that, but we can make sure we’re playing to our potential. When doing so, the ‘Caps have proven they can compete with any team in Major League Soccer.

Spectacular Torres bicycle kick stuns the home crowd

Star in the making

It was not just this kid’s amazing goal that had me thinking we were watching a star in the making on Sunday at BC Place. For a younger player (20 years old), Erick Torres played like a seasoned veteran, giving our back line a tough time most of the night.

He made intelligent runs in behind our defence, he held the ball up well and brought teammates into the play often – and of course, he scored two good goals. His first goal was even more impressive as he had to wait for the ball to drop before delivering a stunning bicycle kick. His second goal was also no slouch, as he did well to power a cross into the corner of the net.

Yes, he was frustrating to watch from our perspective, but you have to admire a player who looks like he’s going to be a star.

Koffie catches Kennedy out of position to get WFC on the board

Promise delivered

If it wasn’t for Torres’ goal, we might have been talking about the goal our own Gershon Koffie scored to get us back in the game.

Yes, Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy was partly at fault, but it takes a lot of confidence to go for goal from where Koffie was on the field. For me, the goal summed up the performance Koffie had on the night as he was rightfully picked as Budweiser Man of the Match.

Koffie is a player that can and will accept the ball anywhere on the field and has the strength and awareness to keep his team in possession. While he has done an outstanding job as a defensive midfielder, he’s still able to influence the game moving forward – as we saw on Sunday.

I was with Koffie in Vernon on Thursday and we spoke to around 100 kids at a ‘Caps camp. The young Ghanaian said he would score a goal for them and that’s exactly what he did. For me, Koffie is a legend in the making.